16th Annual Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon Returns to Del Mar Dog Beach to Support Orphan Pets
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2021) – The longest running doggie surf competition returns to Del Mar Dog Beach to close out the summer and raise life-saving funds for orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. While comPETitors were not present in 2020 at Del Mar Dog Beach, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon continued virtually and welcomed contestants from all over the world for the first time in its 16 year history. Now surFURS are eager to pounce back into the water and fetch top dog honors in the most exciting event of the summer. Over 70 surfing dogs are expected Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST at Del Mar Dog Beach for the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon presented by Blue Buffalo.
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2021) – The longest running doggie surf competition returns to Del Mar Dog Beach to close out the summer and raise life-saving funds for orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. While comPETitors were not present in 2020 at Del Mar Dog Beach, the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon continued virtually and welcomed contestants from all over the world for the first time in its 16 year history. Now surFURS are eager to pounce back into the water and fetch top dog honors in the most exciting event of the summer. Over 70 surfing dogs are expected Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST at Del Mar Dog Beach for the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon presented by Blue Buffalo.
The temperatures are staying hot as we close out the San Diego summer and so is the competition out on the waves. Reminding the world that “man’s best friend” can do phenomenal things, four-legged surFURs can’t wait to show off their skills on the board, all while supporting the orphan pets and programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
The family-friendly beach day featuring 70 surfing dogs all vying for a spot in Best in Surf and ultimately the title of Top Dog, will include dogs surfing in 10 minute heats before a panel of judges consisting of surf pros and aficionados. The GroMutts will be judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded for each weight class and the first place winners will move on to the finals – Best-In-Surf. But the fun on the water doesn’t end there. Dogs and their best pals can also compete in the Freestyle Surf Contest where points are awarded for creativity! The crowd-favorite heat often features tandem rides for furry friends, dogs and their favorites human, eye-catching tricks and costumes!
With COVID-19 CDC regulations in mind, certain adjustments have been made to this year’s event to keep contestants safe. There will be fewer surFURs allowed to compete in each heat, and each surfing canine is restricted to a total of two humans in the water with them – their owner and a “catcher.” Cutting down on the number of enthusiastic human team members in the surf with each dog will provide more space and less crowding for all participating competitors. Spectators are invited to the family friendly beach day to safely watch the action from the beach and are encouraged to practice proper safety precautions while enjoying the sun, sand and doggie surf.
The excitement doesn’t end after the surfing competition. The BARKet Place, sponsored by Petco, will feature a variety of exhibitor booths with pet products and local businesses handing out giveaways. San Diego Pet Training will also be hosting a free agility course for dogs to try out. Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Center will induct a new honoree into the Surf Dog Hall of Fame during a special ceremony. Plus, the Costume Contest invites creative canines to strut their stuff on the catwalk, sign-ups are open right now.
Registration is still available for surf-loving canines to enter the surf and freestyle contests. 100 percent of the proceeds from the event support the life-saving work at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Top fundraising pooches not only get to help orphan pets, they will win outstanding prizes including a commemorative 2021 Surf-Dog Surf-A-Thon surf board for first place.
The 16th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is free to attend. Parking will be available at the corner of Border Avenue / Via De La Valle and Hwy. 101 / Camino Del Mar for a $20 donation.
For more information and to pre-order your official Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon T-Shirt head to animalcenter.org/surfdog2021 or call 858-756-4117 ext. 358.